Chartwells K12's new Hot Chocolate Milk concept features hot chocolate milk served during breakfast and lunch, so kids can enjoy their mug of cocoa with an array of toppings as they create their custom specialty beverage in the school cafeteria.

The concept is launching in over 55 pilot schools this month, including Harper Creek Schools (Mich.), Hockinson School District (Wash.), and Stamford Public Schools (Conn.).

"The popularity of specialty beverages is on the rise, and we're bringing a healthy option to meet that demand in school cafeterias," said Lindsey Palmer, MBA, MS, RDN, VP, Nutrition and Industry Relations at Chartwells K12. "With our new Hot Chocolate Milk concept, students can enjoy a fun, warm beverage that is packed with essential nutrients, making it a delicious and healthy treat to help students power through their day."

Partnering with National Dairy Council to launch the concept, Chartwells K12 is serving hot chocolate milk in schools participating in the pilot program. Using lower fat chocolate milk already available with school meals, just heated up, the concept introduces a new milk option in cafeterias, available either at breakfast, lunch, or for a la carte purchase. Whether students top off their hot chocolate milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of peppermint, kids can personalize their hot chocolate milk with a variety of flavorful toppings.

"Data shows nutrient-rich chocolate milk is the most popular milk choice in schools and it's backed by peer-reviewed research that shows drinking flavored milk is linked to higher total milk consumption and better overall diet quality," said Katie Bambacht, RDN, SNS with National Dairy Council. "Flavored milk drinkers get more calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins A, D, B12, and riboflavin (B2) compared to non-flavored milk drinkers."

Schools participating in the pilot program receive a Hot Chocolate Milk kit provided by National Dairy Council through Hubert, a food service equipment manufacturer, that includes a transport cart with branded panels, an insulated beverage dispenser, a digital thermometer, and more.